All take the ride

All take the ride

                  The apostle Paul wrote,

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: 

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

                                                           Romans 5:8

The poet wrote,

“Ticket”

“Where am I?

What, am...

I doing here?”

“You are her.”

Says the Conductor.

“Your ticket please.”

“I bought no ticket.

I took no ride.

Where am I?”

“Your ride is over,         You are here.                  All take the ride.

Your ticket’s paid for,   Says the Conductor          You are here.

Your ticket please,      Please your ticket.          Your ticket.”

“I took no ride!

Where am I?

I demand to know!

I took no...

ride...

Am I...”

“You are here.

All take the ride.

The ticket paid for,

With My blood.

“I am here...

I have no ticket...

And you are...”

                                                         “Jesus.”

Is Christian belief Foolishness?

Is Christian belief Foolishness?
       Luke's gospel records,
"Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left." Luke 23:32,33.
Here we have one of the most important incidents in the whole history of Christianity, the crucifixion of Jesus. The apostle Paul has noted of the crucifixion of Jesus,
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1Corinthians 1:18.  
As one person noted to me, “God does not do things the way man would do them.”
Certainly to man’s way of thinking having the Saviour of mankind crucified seems counter intuitive. After all God could have revealed himself to mankind in all his glory and people would have believed in him.
There is to my way of thinking a flaw in thinking that if God was suddenly to appear in all his glory it would produce true believers in Him.
Quite the contrary if this happened many would believe in him simply because they feared what He could do to them. That’s not what God wants.
God wants true believers. Jesus said,

“God is spirit, 

and his worshipers must worship 

in spirit and in truth.”

                                John 4:23.

The writer of Hebrews states,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
The writer of Hebrews defining faith as,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see."  

                                         Hebrews 11:1.

God knows a true believer will follow Him in good times and in bad. No matter what the circumstances are. True believers believe in the death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. True believers believe Christ had to die for the sins of each individual. Even if in human terms that doesn't make sense.
What do you believe?
Please think about it. 

He who does not

He who does not
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" James 2:12,13.
This I firmly believe is not only a warning to Christians it is a warning to everyone. “Judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.”
While Christians believe it that you are saved by faith we also believe that, that faith should spur us on to good works.
James tells us,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:14-20.
Doing good. Helping those in need. Helping the sick. Are universal truths that all people can understand. These are deeds that please God.
In the Talmud we read,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  
He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”  The Talmud.
Ultimately it comes back to what Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
If you were in need, or sick, or in need of help of any kind would you not want someone to help you if they could.
Please think about it.

As you have done

As you have done
In the book of Obadiah we read,
“The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your head.” Obadiah 1:15niv.
We need to consider this verse of scripture carefully. God will one day judge all people and nations. God speaking through the prophet Obadiah makes it clear “as you have done, it will be done to you....”
Jesus tells this story,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”Luke 16:19-31
The rich man in this story could have had compassion on Lazarus but he didn’t. He showed a complete lack of compassion. And while he got away with not helping Lazarus in this world. He payed the price in the next.
This rich man in his lifetime showed the love of God was not within him. Thus on the day he died he was punished for his lack of compassion and understanding.
Lazarus on the other hand was comforted.
This serves as a warning to all people be they pastors, politicians, evangelist, the average men and women. All people.
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
What Jesus is saying could be interpreted this way.
If you treat people badly. Then you are saying you want to be treated badly. If you treat people without compassion. Then you want to be treated without compassion.
Please think about it.

You

You
           In the book of Exodus we read that God tells us,

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

                                                            Exodus 20:3.

Here is one of the absolute values of Christianity. Christians are to have no other god’s except the Lord God Almighty.
Sadly however to many people especially here in North America have many other gods. Gods that they put ahead of the One True God. These gods range from the god of materialism, to the gods of politics, to their love of self and much more.
As Christians we must be careful that we don’t let other gods into our lives. Just because you have said the sinners prayer doesn’t mean you will necessarily get to heaven.
Leonard Ravenhill an English/American evangelist has said,

“The sinner's prayer has sent more people to hell 

than all the taverns in America.” 

                                                   Leonard Ravenhill

“I doubt if 5% of professing Christians in America are born again

and that's true of England!” 

                                  Leonard Ravenhill 

To be a Christian you have to truly believe the teachings of Christ and to put those teachings in your day to day life. You have to be willing to give up everything. As someone has said,

F. A. I.T. H. 

Forsaking 

All             

I               

Take Him. 

That means putting aside the gods of this world, materialism, money, politics, self. It means being willing to follow Christ to the grave if necessary.
So my question to anyone reading this who claims to be a Christian is, Are you willing to
Forsake all and follow him?
Please think about it.

A Sermon from Athens

A sermon from Athens
The following is to my mind one of the best sermons ever spoken. It is recorded in the book of acts.
It was spoken by the Apostle Paul in Athens and makes it clear what he and the church of that day believed. The book of acts states,
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.  
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.   Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?  
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”  
(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.  
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. 
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.  
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” 
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”  
At that, Paul left the Council.  
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.” Acts 17:17-34.
To the non-Christian I would ask what would your reaction to Paul’s sermon be? Would you sneer, want to hear more, or would you (will you) believe what Paul said?
To the Christian I would ask. If someone saw you discussing your faith in a modern market square, would non-believers the modern day equivalent of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers invite you to present your faith to them?
Please think about it.

Not mutually exclusive

Not mutually exclusive
In the book of Genesis we read,

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

                                                                            Genesis 1:1

The bible does not debate whether God exists. It was written to believers and believers in God need no convincing of His existence.
The other thing that is noted in Genesis 1:1 is that God created the heavens and the earth. Something again not in doubt to the true believer.
Where the problem occurs with Christians in particular is in the science. Scientist say the universe began with the big bang and took billions of years to evolve to where we are today. Many Christians choose to think God created the universe and everything in it in six twenty-four hour days. They think that to think otherwise is to lack faith. Not so.
Galileo Galilei stated,

“The Bible shows the way to go to heaven, 

not the way the heavens go.” 

                                                       Galileo Galilei.

He is right. The bible is a book of faith showing people how to get to heaven. It is immaterial to the purpose of the bible whether the universe was made in six twenty-four hour days or billions of years. God could have done it either way.
For many scientist it seems the fact many Christians hold the view that creation took place over six days turns them away from belief in God.
It shouldn’t.
I firmly believe that science done correctly will point people to God. In fact there are many renowned men of science who believe in God because of science.
William Philips a Nobel prize winning Physicist wrote,
“I believe in God more because of science than in spite of it”William Philips
Werner Heisenberg father of Quantum Mechanics and a winner of the Nobel prize said,
“The first gulp from the glass of natural science will make you an atheist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you” Werner Heisenberg.
In fact the Bible in a way challenges us to look into science and see God. The Psalmist writes,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard." 

                                                                                     Psalm 19:1-3.

Ultimately however it is up to the individual as to whether they believe in God or not. Thus the question becomes, do you believe in God?
Please think about it.

You and Love

You and Love
The apostle John writes,
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16.
You cannot be a believer in Christ Jesus and not love. It’s that simple. As for what constitutes God’s love the apostle Paul defines it this way, saying,

"Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, 

it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love."  

                                                             1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

The apostle Paul states,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.  
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:9-18.
These words are not mine they are directly from the New Testament scriptures. Words everyone who claims to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus should be putting into action in their lives.
So my question to you is, do you truly love?
Please think about it. 

Simple advice

Simple advice
The Psalmist writes,

"Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 

keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." 

                                                                            Psalm 34:11-14.

For the believer in God. For the believer in Christ Jesus the psalmist makes five simple points that will lead to placing the individual in good standing with God and those around them.
1. Keep you tongue from evil.
2. Your lips form speaking lies.
3. Turn from evil.
4. Do good.
5. Seek peace and pursue it.
Please think about it.

Reckless words

Reckless words
In Proverbs we read,

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, 

but the tongue of the wise brings healing." 

                                                   Proverbs 12:18.

As Christians we must be careful what we say.
I believe Christians have been given a sacred trust by God to reach the world and point individuals to heaven. It is something we should not take lightly.
All too many people here in Canada and the United States tend to live in a bubble. With few if any non-Christian friends. To make matters worse they mix “their rights and freedoms” given to them by the secular government with their faith.
As Christians we must remember what we say has the potential for eternal consequences. Our words have the ability to point people to Christ or push them away.
The apostle Paul wrote,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,

 live at peace with everyone.”

                                                     Romans 12:18.

In order to live at peace with anyone we need to mind what we say and do. We need to reach out to others with the love of God in word and deed.
The apostle John wrote,

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue 

but with actions and in truth.”

                                                1 John 3:18.

The apostle Paul tells us,
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” Colossians 4:5,6.
Question; If you claim to be a Christian are you using your words wisely? What are your words and deeds telling those around you about Christ?
Please think about it.

How would you vote?

How would you vote?
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
      I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16.
Every now and then I like to poke Christians and others with a pointy stick this is one of those days. Thus I present to you the story of Margaret Elizabeth.
“That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make an impression.  To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care.  Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make.  Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly. 
I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that.  That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life.  I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly.  I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly.  I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew.  If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden.  He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.  A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am.  In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability.  Nothing is off limits. After the questions, pastor will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions. Finally however, the question answered, the pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.”  He said.  “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
Thus my question to you the reader. How would you vote?
Please think carefully and prayerfully about it.

Heard in a Church

Heard in a Church
The apostle Paul wrote,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?

 Are you not to judge those inside?  

God will judge those outside. 

"Expel the wicked man from among you." 

                                        1 Corinthians 5:12,13

The other day in Church I heard a person say “homosexuals are going to hell”. All I could do was shake my head. Here she was judging people she didn’t even know. I thought with people like her in the church is it any wonder members of the LGBTQ community are reluctant to enter a church.
As Christians as true believers in Christ Jesus we have no right to judge anyone who is outside the church. Even within the church we should only be judging people with respect to what they are teaching, in order to see if it is correct.
We have no right to judge where anyone will spend eternity.
The American evangelist Tony Campolo said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.” Tony Campolo.
Another American evangelist Billy Graham said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                                    Billy Graham.

As followers of Christ Jesus we must show unconditional love to all people, our family, our friends, our neighbours and even our enemies.
We must be guided by the love of God. We must remember the words of Jesus who said,

"So in everything, do to others 

what you would have them do to you, 

for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" 

                                                     Matthew 7:12

Please think about it.